Peace prize winner condemns NSW Taser use

Sekai Holland says Taser use by NSW Police, and violence in general, is wrong.

REUTERS/George Esiri: REUTERS

Zimbabwean anti-apartheid activist Sekai Holland has criticised New South Wales police over their use of Tasers.

Senator Holland made the comments during her Sydney Peace Prize lecture last night.

The City of Sydney recognised Senator Holland for her outstanding role in achieving peace.

Senator Holland is renowned for fighting against apartheid in South Africa, helping create a democratic Zimbabwe and advocating for indigenous Australians.

She continues to promote peace in Zimbabwe through her role as minister for reconciliation, healing and integration.

In a wide ranging speech last night, Senator Holland called on Australians to speak out against the use of violence by authorities.

"I hope that the New South Wales Police, with their fascination for weapons such as Tasers, or indeed all the people in the world who think that arms trade contributes to security, let them know that they're wrong," Senator Holland said.

"What we really need is (for) people of today to say never ever again to violence in any form."

Taser use by police has been under scrutiny after several incidents, including the death of Brazilian student Roberto Laudisio Curti in Sydney earlier this year.

But Senator Holland also acknowledged positive changes in Australia, particularly for indigenous people.

"I have also watched the great journey that Australia has taken to put race relations right in your own country and I must say a lot of progress has been made," she said.

"A lot of exciting changes have been made and of course the fire I think started at the 1967 referendum that allowed Aboriginal people to be counted as citizens."

Senator Holland came to Australia in the 1960s and studied at the University of Technology in Sydney.

While in Sydney she married Australian Jim Holland, before returning to Africa.

Last night Senator Holland acknowledged Australia's role in moving Zimbabwe towards democracy, starting with protests decades ago through to her recognition through the Sydney Peace Prize.

"You have to know the past, deal with the present and plan for the future. I would like to really thank Australians because, in a way, this is a thank you for all the hard work that the youths in the '60s and '70s did towards the liberation of Zimbabwe," Senator Holland said.

"Stories published on our way have put Zimbabwe's peace process on the map in a positive footing at home and internationally, new connections in these processes that have been taking place between and among the old and the young in Zimbabwe, among political and civil society networks."